Blackened Skies

[Double A]

The Confederation of Guangxi is formally yielding its claims on Yunnan, as well as guaranteeing its independence.

 

[Grandkhan]

Quick orders sent.

Sorry, its been a really busy few weeks and I didn't get an opportunity to send anything till now. My bad. Hope its okay.

 

[Nuka-sama]

1933​

EUROPE​

Night of the Crown’s Hounds perpetrators investigated!
London, The United Kingdom

The near legendary Night of The Crown’s Hounds has established the SSS as one of the most brutal police forces in the world, but also exposed the corruption of office for personal gain. While the House of Commons was more or less powerless, and the House of Lords unwilling to act, it fell to Queen Marie I to order the investigations and punishments, acting over the authority of both Prime Minister Black and Oliver North. The most brutal of officers, and some of their supervisors, were arrested and held accountable for their crimes. Others engaged in minor corruption saw themselves given minor punishments, and overall, very few were outright fired. The trials gained some interest, and were applauded for attempting to bring order back to Britain, but many were more interested in the larger political implications of the trials.

The crown’s actions have complicated British politics significantly. Even with the crown stepping in to limit the power of the SSS, the fact that the organization is loyal to the Fascist Party specifically as opposed to the state is frightening to many. And though today it was the corruption of the SSS that was on trial, there is another, far more sinister issue of their loyalty to the Party over Britain. Many SSS officers are, unlike the criminals on trial, are true Fascist believers, and while they may have despised those who sullied the uniform, they are frustrated that Black allowed the crown to intervene at all. There is a frustration among the hardliners that the media has not been properly controlled and among the North faction there is frustration that little has been done to either take on the Socialists in Europe, nor the Americans. While there has been some industrial growth due to the increase in defense contracts, there is a sense of frustration that the Fascists have little to show for their incredible election victory so far. Black is facing increasing pressure to cater to hardline demands to shore up his government’s support, or some fear he may end up replaced in the party he built.

For Fascist opponents, the Queen’s actions have not emboldened them, nor have they become more supportive of the Queen. True Jacobins are a non factor, and most real resistance to the regime is found among the socialists. There is little confidence in a free and fair election for 1936, and with the SSS quieting down a bit, North has taken the opportunity to coalesce the remaining conservatives into the Black-North coalition. Open revolt or emigration to France, Bavaria, and some few to India, are the only options at this point, though one must wonder if it will be little more than a massacre if they choose the former...

Brain Drain hits the Spanish military
Santiago, Spanish Republic

As the Spanish military’s commissars become more and more fanatical in their uprooting of “reactionary” elements, there has been a noticeable decline among the officer class, many of whom are indicted and drummed out of the army on suspected sympathies of monarchism. Some, including a few high ranking generals, have gone over to neighboring Portugal or Morocco, while others settle disgruntledly into new careers elsewhere in Spain. It’s not only the officers that are leaving en masse. The most experienced NCO’s and enlisted men have also been leaving the army, some due to ideological reasons, and others due to the changing role of the Spanish military, many no longer seeing it as a path to glory or advancement. The commissars have triumphantly reported that the military is becoming less of a threat to the Republic, but many fear that it may soon become a liability.

French scholarship program implemented
Paris, France

The French Social Democratic Republic began implementing the start of a university scholarship system. While primary and secondary education is free and fairly well attended, university programs may often be out of reach for some families, especially those from the poorest families. While union funds would sometimes be used to help enroll the children of workers, this scholarship system represents the first statewide implementation. While the move has been applauded by most as a step in the right direction, some French socialists lament that the country has fallen behind Germany in providing free education for all, and some student groups have proposed that students be given a stipend for living expenses while in school.

Germany steps up arts, film funding to challenge France
Munich, Bavarian Worker’s Republic

Not to be outdone by the the French, the German socialist states embarked on film projects of their own, centered primarily in Bavaria and the Ruhr. In Bavaria, funding for the arts was not directly to the studios, but instead to prepare for Munich’s Volkfilmfestival in the renovated Odeon Concert Hall. Bavaria’s filmmakers, not reliant on government funding pursued a wide variety of topics and in particular, Max Heisler’s Fairy Tale, a romantic satire of fairy tales, drew wide praise from critics and audience members. While Heisler’s film did well though, most Bavarian films were upstaged by the French ones, especially the new film The Advocate, a film regarding the trial of Captain Dreyfus and the anti-semitism of the old Republic. Despite its obvious French connection, many Germans empathized with Francois Deloit, the lawyer who defended Dreyfus despite his Jewish heritage. In the Ruhr itself, the Year of the Arts, headed by the bureaucratic Administration of Culture(AdCult) judged films based on their mass appeal. While films such as Miracle and The Great Machine fared poorly, The Hedgehog and the Fox, Once Upon a Time, and Handsome Hugh engaged workers and brought them to the cinemas. Many cited the fact that they were easy to watch or were popular with children, while the dislike of some of the more ‘serious’ films came from what many said was boring writing and poor acting. Serious films such as The Advocate did well in the Ruhr, giving some pause to the AdCult on where to focus future cultural efforts.

Land buyback program hits wall in Spain
Madrid, Spanish Republic

The Spanish Republic’s land buyback program, popular among the lower classes, has hit a snag in its efforts to peacefully acquire lands of large owners. Initially, the purchases were concentrated among the aristocrats who were in dire financial straits, who were happy to get some desperately needed income. However at this point the remaining landowners are either very wealthy with larger estates, or prominent middle class farmers, both of which have been highly resistant of the government’s buyback efforts. There is some animosity from these groups to the republic, as many of them supported the monarchy in the revolution, and feel they are being unfairly targeted. The rural poor, who stand to benefit the most from the land distribution plan and invigorated with Republican propaganda, have at times taken matters into their own hands, attacking and sometimes killing holdout landowners, and arrests have done little to deter them. Regional representatives, lacking the resources and power to deal with the issues, have appealed directly to Madrid. Socialist MPs have said the Republic should simply seize the land of the holdouts, a motion that has little support among conservatives and makes even some Liberal MPs uncomfortable.

As an additional project of the Spanish government, a new wide scale irrigation system has been designed in hopes of bringing increased value to farmlands. Work has begun on the project, though there is some skepticism on how much the project will actually succeed. Some Spanish farmers have actually petitioned the government to purchase tractors for the poorer farmers, as it would be a much easier way, they argue, to increase food bounties, though neglecting to mention that the mechanization of the farmlands would be extremely expensive,

Assassination of Augustus Lippler by Communists prompts German police action; joint condemnation issued by Italy and Hungary: “Vienna will not be Socialist!”
Vienna, occupied zone of the Collectivist Republic of the Ruhr

Although the anarchist union of Austria-Bohemia was roundly considered a failed state by the more centralized governments of the world, a realm on the very edge of civil war and utter collapse, it had managed to survive intact for many years. As onlookers continued to predict the end of the state from internal pressures, Lippler and his gangs maintained their particular brand of order against all odds - but it was not to last. On the eve of an extraordinary gala hosted by the Catholic Arts Society in honor of President Lippler, a group of terrorists calling themselves the “Red Spiders” attacked Lippler and his entourage, turning what was meant to be a fine social event for the high and mighty into a bloodbath as President Lippler himself was shot and killed. The Catholic Arts Society, outraged at this stain upon their honor, immediately mobilized its resources to find those responsible and mount an investigation, in the process calling an emergency council of many of Lippler’s strongest contacts to ensure that the Austro-Bohemian state would prevail past the death of its patriarch. For a brief time, it seemed that what appeared to be an inevitable civil war had been averted.

Unfortunately, the chaos in Austria had not gone unnoticed by its many avaricious neighbors. While Bavaria offered the Catholic Arts Society humanitarian supplies and its sincere condolences, the German Federalist Alliance and the Collectivist Republic of the Ruhr declared a state of emergency in Austria, especially following an apparently foiled attempt by Czech terrorists to detonate a bomb in Prague’s city hall. Ignoring protests from Bavarian officials, the GFA and the CRR mobilized each a quarter-million soldiers and attempted to enforce a wholesale occupation of Austria-Bohemia.

Bohemia’s governing gangs were caught completely flat-footed by the attack, and their small detachments of mercenary troops were steamrolled by the highly professional force of the German Federalist Alliance in what has been termed “the most effective police action of this century.” The territories of Bohemia were wholly occupied by the GFA forces, which has established a military governor to maintain order. The Czech Free Army, seeing that this was not a fight they could win, opted to retreat to Hungary, vowing to return to free their brothers.

Meanwhile, in Austria proper, the leisurely occupation attempt by the CRR forces was met with a surprisingly stiff resistance. The Catholic Arts Society, barely settled into the rulers’ seat, scrambled to mount an organized defense, but failed - instead, the CRR found itself fighting dozens of fierce, though disconnected, gang armies as they stormed the Austrian highlands. Nevertheless, in the end the CRR prevailed and enforced the full occupation of Austria and, most importantly, Vienna. The CRR has published an official statement exonerating the Red Spiders of the claims made against them, instead arguing that the Catholic Arts Society had orchestrated the assassination of Lippler. The Red Spiders are alone of all the Austrian gangs that welcome the soldiers of the Ruhr with open arms.

The action, which is seen as a joint-action of the entire German Union, with Bavaria suspected by many observers as the true mastermind, has been roundly denounced in European diplomatic circles, as both the Hungarian Empire and the Kingdom of Italy call for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of German forces. Hungary has mobilized its forces, announced a full embargo of German goods, and humbly requests the assistance of European leaders - such as the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Russia - to help quash the aggressive German ambitions. Though many observers doubt Hungary can go toe-to-toe with the German Union, the commitment of the Kingdom of Italy to this new crisis - which seems almost to have overshadowed the Bulgarian crisis - has many wondering if Europe’s short affair with peace is already over.

[Casualties-
Austria-Bohemia: 37,182 + unknown numbers of civilians/noncombatants
Collectivist Republic of the Ruhr: 92,579
German Federalist Alliance: 1,187

Austria is destroyed. CRR loses 9 Reserve Divisions. GFA scuffs their boots, and now they have to buy new boots.]

Major factory fire prompts riots, investigation
Namur, Belgium

On an unusually chilly Easter weekend, a factory in Belgium became the center of controversy as it burned to the ground, killing all 480. The fire started as a minor one, but the doors were barred to prevent workers from leaving early, making escape impossible. The people of Namur subsequently went into a riot, and an additional 22 were killed before order was restored in the early hours of Sunday morning. The incident sparked a renewal in the Worker’s Party of Wallonia, whose rebellion was crushed ten years ago, and the now illegal party has seen a substantial uptick of interest and support. Several strikes were called, though they were quickly broken and key leaders were arrested, supported with British intelligence efforts. Commentators have noted that in spite of the uptick in support in Wallonia, the Worker’s Party of Flanders, which also rebelled a decade ago, still remains mostly inactive. Many feel that the Walloon cultural link with the French may increase their interest in Socialism, though for now the Belgian government has been able to restore order. The riots have made the border fortifications a top priority, and the Belgians have been able to now fortify both the German and French borders in anticipation of an attack.

Ploesti Oil Fields in Flames!
Ploesti, Romania

As Russia acquiesces to the Turkish occupation and Italy facing a far more dangerous threat, it has fallen to Romania to defend Christendom against the Turkish horde. Heavy preparations were made to defend the capital and to deny the enemy any use of the oil fields. Ironically enough, it was the Turkish high command’s decision that Romania must be denied their oil fields. A stealth attack was launched at dawn, and the Turkish air force went undetected until they reached the Ploesti oil fields when their entire payload was dropped. Rigged explosives set by the Romanians were also set off, creating a field of burning oil. A Turkish invasion was not to attack the newly constructed fortifications, but throughout the Romanian country there is an outcry against not only this horrible atrocity, but also the fact that the rest of the world seems complacent in the crimes of the Turk Perhaps more significantly, the loss of the Romanian oil fields puts many regional oil supplies at risk

Fascist “Iron Guard” on the rise in Romania
Bucharest, Romania

As much of the country prepares for a war with Turkey, a growing movement of like-minded fascists have become vocal about the need for a shift in direction. This group, called “The Iron Guard”, has declared that Romania should not sacrifice its sons to save the hated Bulgarians, but instead should join with Turkey to fight the real enemy that still holds sacred Romanian soil: Hungary. The Iron Guard has asked the King to allow its leader, Victor Udrea, to become Prime Minister and negotiate a new treaty of alliance with Turkey, and has marched daily in Bucharest with these demands. While some Romanian nobles are disgusted by this idea, others note that with Italy and Russia sidetracked, Romania stands almost no chance of winning a conflict against Turkey. Others note that with the socialists and the anarchists continuing to lurk in the shadows, and with the Iron guard pursuing a pro Turkish policy, Romania will end up at war not only with Turkey, but half of its population. It seems a tough choice must be made, and quickly….

Bulgaria re-established; Socialists fight on
Sofia, Bulgaria

With the situation stabilizing in Bulgaria and abroad, Turkey has seen fit to establish a Bulgarian puppet state under the Transitional Authority of Bulgaria. Made up of the few officials lucky enough not to be purged, the Transitional Authority has used Turkish troops to combat the few remaining resistors to the new regime. The fledgling Bulgarian People’s Army has had little success against the Turks, and surrenders are more common than raids. Many of the former Bulgarian elites were killed or otherwise fled, and Turks have flooded Bulgaria in search of new opportunities. With international attention elsewhere, many Bulgarians are resigned to their new fate of serving their Turkish masters, while the lucky ones are able to escape to Serbia. Meanwhile, Greek fortunes are on the rise as Western Macedonia is ceded to them, increasing the prestige of the young republic, and encouraging them to look north at Italy or Serbia for new opportunities.

[Casualties-
Bulgarian Transitional Authority: 20,396
Free Bulgaria: 53,972]

Rise of the White Wolf
Vienna, occupied Austria

With the complete collapse of the United Republics of Austria and Bohemia, resistance has tightened against both the GFA and the Ruhr’s occupation forces. Many recent immigrants to Austria were Germans fleeing the Socialists and civil war at home, and while some have chosen to emigrate, others have become tired of running. Enter the White Wolf, a German immigrant with anti-socialist tendencies who found a home in the anarchist bombing community of Vienna. With the Austrian military unable to resist against the Germans, the White Wolf has become a key figure in resisting German authority, though few have even seen his face. He has been using autos, very prominent in Austria, as explosives, as well as suicide bombers and bombs by mail. He has even struck in Germany proper. Both Ruhr and GFA intelligence officials seem to feel he is the most dangerous internal threat to their authority, but neither has the first clue in where to look for this national hero in the making.

Russian Tsar passes; Heir takes the throne!
St. Petersburg, Russian Empire

The Russian Tsar, Michael II, has passed away in his sleep at the age of 66. An aggressive man, Michael’s conquests in China, Galicia, and Prussia were all achieved through brutal opportunism, though said conquests have left Russia with enemies surrounding it, and its forces stretched thin. His son, now Peter IV, already had to deal with the consequences of an oppressed minority and thin garrisons, but has shown he is more than willing to use force to resolve conflicts. While the Russian Tsar may hope to rule with a light hand at home, he may need to be stern with some of his subjects to ensure the safety and prosperity of the empire.

Sweden establishes official Socialist Party
Stockholm, Sweden

The People’s Republic of Sweden has at last established an official Socialist Party, in a move seemingly designed to make the Party as the main governing force of the nation. While the move would seem to indicate that Sweden, like its socialist German brothers to the south, is hoping to move to a more bureaucratic governance, the Socialist Party still lacks widespread popularity in the nation, and most areas of the country still are under martial law. The transition to a more bureaucratic governance has been further stymied by the fact that two main commanders of People’s Liberation Army units have had vastly different approaches to the party. One commander, Erik Bergman, has advocated that only those from the unions should be allowed into the Party, while another, Jan Lund, has sought to include anarchists and even liberals into the party. For now, Bergman has successfully excluded others from the Party, and even the small Collectivist faction has formed a separate, illegal, party. Lund however, has been building up his PLA units with manpower from liberals and anarchists, and has been posturing threateningly as of late. For both of the leaders though, the tensions with Norway, Denmark, Russia, and Britain, as well as the sizable faction looking to bring back the King to Sweden has made the two men cautious to make any major moves yet.

 

[Nuka-sama]

ASIA​

Central Asian rebels surrender to generous terms
Baku, Russia

As one of the first orders of business for the new Tsar, the Azeri and Turkmen rebellions needed to be suppressed. Even as the rebels consolidated their positions, the Russian military felt it would have little difficulty in crushing them. Still, the Tsar felt that it would be ideal if bloodshed could be avoided, and offered overwhelmingly generous terms: amnesty and the appointment of a new Muslim governor. Faced with such generosity, despite the pleas of the more nationalist among them, the rebel fighters accepted the terms, feeling that that it was unlikely that a better deal could be offered. Some of the more pessimistic Azeris and Turks have moved to Iran, where they were welcomed with open arms, but most have settled once more into normal life under their Muslim governors. The move has raised eyes in St. Petersburg, who would have preferred the rebels to be crushed and Muslims kept from public office. However, the two governors that were chosen, though Muslim, were proven Russian loyalists who could keep the region loyal to the Tsar. The complaints have mostly subsided though, with bigger news coming from Europe, and the region has more or less returned to a state of normalcy.

Guangxi Confederation denounces Han aggression, allies with Yunnan & invades eastern China

War has once more spread to every corner of China as the Chinese Civil War has now expanded to include the Confederation of Guangxi. The Confederation, citing disapproval with Han politics and their stated intention to destroy the ancient capital of Beijing, among a number of other offenses against what Guangxi aristocrats term “the very essence of the Chinese nation,” have launched a full-scale invasion of Republican territory, a move that caught the Republicans severely off-guard. Sparse Republican garrisons were overrun by the Confederation offensive. The Republicans, responding quickly, mounted a series of hasty defenses that managed to turn the Confederate blitz into a slog. Suffering from bad weather conditions and roadwork sabotage, the Confederate offensive grinded to a halt outside of Jinhua, only 100 kilometers south of Hangzhou. The battle-hardened Republic soldiers have clearly given a good account of themselves, but observers note their forces seem uncomfortable with fighting on the defensive and against greater numbers. Meanwhile, the Confederate forces have been plagued by heavily strained logistics, a weakness that the superior Republican air force has been eager in abusing.

Meanwhile, in the west, the final remnants of the Empire of the Great Qing were reduced to nothing as continued assaults by Russian forces - seeking on solidifying Russian control over Xinjiang - and NRC hunter-killer divisions tracked down and eliminated the armies of the remaining high-profile Qing generals. Though it would be misleading to say that order has been restored to western China, as it now sees an influx of Sichuanese refugees and tensions of the Sino-Russian border remain high, clearly a major player in Chinese politics has been permanently and decisively eliminated in this move.

[Casualties-
Confederation of Guangxi: 404,569
National Han Republic of China: 121,273
Empire of the Great Qing: 524,345
Russian Empire: 65,519

Guangxi loses 1 Autocar Division, 1 Lt-Armor Division, and 33 each of Rifle, Trencher, and Assault Infantry*. NRC loses 12 Reserve Divisions. Russia loses 6 Reserve Divisions. Qing loses 51 Reserve Divisions and 2 Lt-Armor Divisions.

*Not all losses from combat; some losses from drained reserves pool.]

Yunnan announces cultural purification program in Sichuan
Sichuan, Yunnan

Chinese politics experienced a dramatic shift as the Confederation of Guangxi published its official recognition of the state of Yunnan and all its territorial holdings, a move seen as tantamount to admitting Yunna’s right to govern over its Sichuanese holdings - holdings that have been seen as sacrilegious by many throughout China. But perhaps seeking to secure at least one ally in light of the great enemy they had made in Republican China, Guangxi extended a hand of friendship to Yunnan, one they gratefully accepted. So grateful, in fact, were the statesmen of Yunnan that they immediately announced a cultural purification program in Sichuan, seeking to eliminate the Han population there. Although details are sparse, western China has seen a massive influx of Sichuanese refugees escaping the wrath of the State of Yunnan and their new ethnic crusade.

Korean Emperor dies; young son takes throne
Seoul, Korea

The Great Korean Emperor has at last passed from this world, leaving behind an intrigue filled court on the brink of putting the country to civil war. With no clear succession plan established, many thought the Korean Empire would be torn apart, but thankfully it was not the case. Sinjeong, a consort of the late Emperor and a member of the powerful Kim clan. Though the clan had lost preeminence nearly a generation ago, there was enough infighting between the other court factions that Sinjeong could make her move. Securing the loyalty of three powerful generals and the Reformist faction of the court, Sinjeong was able to seize the other consorts and their children and secure the enthronement of her two year old son as Emperor, with herself being declared regent and Empress Dowager. The military has mostly acquiesced, and those officers from clans outright hostile to the Kims were eliminated. With the military and the court secured, Sinjeong announced the continuation of the reforms that were initiated and abandoned in 1912, central among these being the industrialization of Korea. Many small factories and businesses have been placed under the control of either prominent reformers or Kim clan members, creating various consolidated companies. In addition to these industrialization efforts, armaments from Great Britain have been purchased, with the hopes that a modern Korean military will be more than enough to deter any threats.

Australasia third country to legalize women’s suffrage; first among imperialist-aligned nations
Canberra, Australasia

The Australasian parliament shocked the world on May 5th when it enacted a highly controversial measure to expand the rights of women, a measure that included equal citizenship for women and the right for women to vote in elections and run for office - making Australasia the third country in the world, behind France and Bavaria, to legalize the vote for women. Women’s rights groups throughout the British Empire have applauded the Australasian parliament for this move, and fuel has been thrown on the fire for women’s rights groups across the western world - a movement that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore in certain war-wracked countries throughout South America. Although the Blacks & Tans in London have reacted coldly to the news, reactions in Australasia have been more positive than mixed, and Australasian progressives can pat themselves on the back for what has undoubtedly put Australasia on the social forefront in the non-socialist world.

Controversial new Indian school laws ignored
Yangon, India

The controversial Indian schooling program has incited further controversy this year, as the Dominion of India has made its English language schools compulsory for all. To the frustration of Dominion authorities though, many choose to simply ignore this law. In the cities, many of the lower and upper castes still choose to ignore the summons to the schools, while in the rural areas, landowners more or less block the attendance, and even when they do not, the peasants are generally more interested in farming than learning English. Many Indian elites have privately expressed their dissatisfaction with the mandatory English schools, at the very least in the Hindu areas, due to the caste conflicts they feel the schools will create. Many officials believe that to fully enforce the law, it will take active measures and potentially even the police to ensure attendance, but those officials also stress that actions such as that may very well cause rioting. Others simply feel the project is too expensive to adequately cover all of India, and officials still question the wisdom of the project. The program supporters though point to the Muslim and the Burmese areas though as bright spots, with the school in Yangon being perhaps the most well attended school in the entire Dominion, despite the partisan issues in the region.

New Tariffs on Japanese goods highlights Statehood questions
Osaka, United States of America

As a part of his campaign for the Presidency, one key plank of Wayne’s platform was the unfair business practices of those in the Japanese territories. Due to the low cost of Japanese workers, American factory jobs were few and low paying due to competition from Japan. President Wayne has placed the first ever tariff on Japanese goods entering the United States; an unprecedented action for a US territory. The reaction in the United States proper has been mixed. Some factory workers and nascent capitalists have applauded the move to safeguard American industry and jobs, though others are fearful that the price of goods will rise. Progressives in particular have been split, though the party as a whole has seem to come with the statement supporting the sentiment of raising American wages, but protesting against the punishment of the Japanese. John Fremont, the Progressive US Senator for Jeffersonia, made a passioned plea for statehood and equality for the Japanese, stating "They are members of our global Union as much as any State. They have served us as loyal subjects and demonstrated their worth as equals. They deserve the rights and compensation accorded to all members of our grand Republic, as testament to our eternal confidence in our ideals." Even some Democrats have agreed, noting that the Japanese have mostly converted to Christianity, and on the whole had much to contribute to the Republic, noting their culture and work ethic. Other Democrats noted that even if the Japanese were better than the Africans, they were still inferior to the White man, and should not be afforded similar status. Louisiana in particular, which sees itself as a region that may be divided up and not maintain statehood, is vehemently opposed, and Governor Quinn Harley of Louisiana is using the fact that he ensured Wayne won the White House to pressure the administration against any statehood talks.

For the Japanese themselves, the hit from their primary market has hit the economy significantly, though with presidential encouragement, new markets have been reached out to for export. In particular, Japanese industry is finding a market for weaponry in China, machinery and engineering expertise to Australasia, and consumer goods for the Japan. Even with these markets being found though, there have been layoffs, and Japanese factory owners and managers have quietly reached out to the viceroy to see if the situation could be reversed.

AFRICA​

High profile murders hit Angola!
Luanda, Portugal

Portugal is seeing a rise in crime in their Angola colony, with a specific increase of crime against Portuguese. While some murders, such as the killing of a businessman and his wife, or that of mining foreman, seemed like muggings gone wrong, Portuguese officials are concerned about the fact that a Colonel was recently killed as he was leaving an upscale hotel in Luanda. Other crimes, such as arsons and thefts, have also been noted, prompting the governor to ask for reinforcements from Portugal.

THE AMERICAS​

Ignacio’s Raiders seize Monterrey amidst storm of Rio Grandese desertions; U.S. Army forces invade Mexico and seek decisive end to Mexican Civil War

The Raiders of Zacatecas successfully managed to capture Monterrey early last year following a hugely successful leaflet campaign that caused mass desertions in the Rio Grandese forces. After a final and devastating bout, the Raiders took Monterrey and announced the end of the Republic of the Rio Grande. It was a short-lived celebration, however, for the United States of America, and their allies in Sonora, declared their intentions to end the spread of socialism and disorder in Mexico. An American expeditionary force entered Mexico and immediately began hunting the Raiders of Zacatecas. The ensuing string of battles saw the Raiders steadily losing ground against the numerically and operationally superior and well-organized American forces, but Ignacio - who had returned to Zacatecas to restore order among his lieutenants - has managed to pull miracle after miracle in evading the American invaders. In fact, Ignacio’s continued good fortune and tactical acumen, in addition to his ongoing leadership of the astoundingly well-organized Raiders of Zacatecas, and finally given his stalwart defense against the Americans, have combined to make him something of a messianic figure among Mexicans, who are more and more beginning to resent foreign interventions. Despite his good fortunate, Ignacio is slowly running out of places to hide, and many American politicians are dismissive of him, insisting it is “only a matter of time” before he, and the rest of the Mexican factions, are brought to heel by the United States of America.

[Casualties-
Raiders: 30,705
Rio Grande: 38,665
USA: 30,395
Sonora: 23,205

Raiders lose 2 each of Rifle, Trencher, and Assault Infantry. USA loses 3 Reserve Divisions. Sonora loses 2 Reserve Divisions. Rio Grande is destroyed.]

Mexico City falls - the end of the Republic? Imperial Mexico and Oaxaca Commune face off. Central America announces full support for Oaxaca.

The promise of a bloody final fight for Mexico City was fulfilled this year as the Oaxaca Commune, fortified with an influx of support from their newly minted allies in the Democratic Republic of Central America, drove the defenders of the Mexican Republic from Mexico City once and for all. The fall of the city marked the end of the republic at large, as remaining forces, dried up from the bitter defense of the capital, surrendered en masse to the Oaxacans and the Imperials, with many soldiers more choosing to defect westwards to the Mexican empire rather than go to the socialists. Parts of the western reaches have fallen into Imperial hands, with the remainder of the former Republic going to Oaxaca, who have denounced the American intervention and persist in claiming that they will be the ones to restore peace and order to Mexico.

[Casualties-
Republic of Mexico: 74,093
Oaxaca: 39,100
Central America: 11,642
Imperial Mexico: 14,978

Republic of Mexico is destroyed. Oaxaca loses 3 Reserve Divisions. Central America lose 1 Reserve Division. Imperialists lose 1 Reserve Division.]

Federal Trade Commission Act imposes restrictions on large companies; RIGHT TO WORK repealed; Democrats decry “Wayne Act,” governor of Tidewater threatens secession

“Screw 'em. They attacked me on campaign, it's time we gave our own back.” - President Wayne, talking about Tidewater Democrats

The Chicago Times were roaring on the morning of June 20th as President Wayne’s Federal Trade Commission Act was signed into a law, a bold new measure for limiting interlocking agreements and eliminating large trusts via a new government ministry. The act, though very popular among progressives and Republicans, and increasingly popular among aristocrats, fell under a torrent of criticism from the Democrats. The Democratic governors of Louisiana, Franklin, and Alleghany all made public statements decrying this “unconstitutional over-reach of federal authority,” claiming the very nature of the Federal Trade Commission places it contrary to the country’s founding ideals, with the governor of Tidewater, Keith Hamil, going so far as to say that failure to repeal the Wayne Act on a federal level will result in Tidewater leaving the union.

The timing of both Governor Hamil’s threat and the passing of the Federal Trade Commission Act came very shortly after a similar peace of legislation, targeted not at the institution of trusts but at what many considered the far more iniquitous institution of “de facto slavery,” a phrase coined by British writer Judith Blunt-Lytton in 1893 to describe the abysmal working conditions, highly-culled pay, and vast slum districts throughout the state of Tidewater. This legislation required any companies owning property or conducting commerce in multiple states to abide by all the labor laws in each state, a brilliantly calculated maneuver that took the wind out of the “Right To Work” laws which allowed the institution of “de facto slavery” to persist unmolested, especially in Tidewater. It is clear this is only the opening salvo of a long campaign against such laws.

The Federal Trade Commission has not yet litigated against any large trusts, leaving many to wonder if it is biding its time, a fair thing to wonder given the very real concerns about enforcement, especially in the trust-dense viper’s nests of the Democratic establishment.

Bolivian War continues as Argentine-led forces push into Bolivian heartlands

In Bolivia, the violent struggle between the Bolivian Empire and the Coalition of Argentina-Chile has continued to little avail. Although overshadowed in international politics by the Brazilian civil war, the death toll in the west continues to climb as Argentinean forces slowly and methodically take ground from the Bolivians, a fact that has resulted in the Bolivian defense growing bitter and ever-more desperate. Argentina has compounded its momentum with the acquisition of state-of-the-art war materiel which this reporter suspects is of German make.

[Casualties-
Bolivia: 133,538
Chile: 84,673
Argentina: 60,820

Bolivia loses 13 Reserve Divisions. Chile loses 8 Reserve Divisions. Argentina loses 6 Reserve Divisions.]

Brazilian civil war escalates into intercontinental conflict as Germans, Americans pledge support for various factions

The Brazilian Civil War, hitherto already a bloody scene, has evolved now into one theater in a conflict that may go intercontinental. The German Union has moreorless announced their full support of the Democratic Republic of Brazil, in spite of the American blockade and escalated commitment. An American expeditionary legion and the Colombian military came to northern Brazil’s aid, even as the DRB was assisted by a German expeditionary force and new lines of supply in the face of the as yet unbroken American blockade. Matters came to a head at the Battle of Sao Luis, wherein Imperial soldiers held the line against many times their number as American and Colombian reinforcements were shortcoming. After an effective counterattack, the Imperial position was considered greatly strengthened, and the front has remained static since then. The arrival of boatloads of American goods, including food, has also helped to ameliorate the Imperials’ domestic position.

[Casualties-
Empire of Brazil: 9,367
Democratic Republic of Brazil: 45,582
Colombia: 31,900
USA: 31,842
German Federalist Alliance: 1,425

DRB loses 3 Reserve Divisions. USA loses 3 Reserve Divisions. Colombia loses 3 Reserve Divisions.]

 

[Crezth]

Global Economic Report

Japanese industries expand into Australasian markets, filling large quotas for Australasian construction contracts

Australasian arms company develops new model sub-machine gun, is adopted by Australasian armed forces.

Italian aeronautics firm deploys heaviest-payload aircraft.

Berliner scientist Hans Wermhat’s research team conducts revolutionary liquid-fuel rocket experiment

DFA-Bundesrustungs opens array of development contracts for civilian and military contractors, competes with Ruhr for contracts

Anti-Western Conference attracts dozens of delegates worldwide for first ever meeting.

Turks celebrate as everything goes according to keikaku.

Average global economic growth: 3.0%.

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OOC:

Woo! This update was a doozy. I just have one major note: Don’t forget to increase your mobilization! Especially when conducting offensive operations, higher mobilization really makes a difference. Don’t be too afraid to crank mobilization 30-40 points when the military situation calls for it.**

Another thing, don’t be afraid to bounce ideas or questions off nuke and I. Our role is to be your cipher to the world of Blackened Skies. If you find yourself thinking “Hmm, what would my generals think of invading the moon?”, don’t just think, act! Ask us!

As always, if you see any problems or mistakes in the update or stats, don’t panic! Shoot us a PM and we’ll try to get it sorted out.

Thanks for your continued support!

**No, Stockholme, that’s not why your invasion of Austria suffered such high casualties. That happened because your guys got hit by bullets.

Map

Spoiler :

(Open map in new tab.)

We just experienced 1933; please send orders for 1934.

Country Stats (1933)

Orders due April 15.

 

[Double A]

Mobilizing to 40%.

 

[Ahigin]

OOC: Germany trying to not get involved into the Austro-Bohemian crisis:http://i.imgur.com/akk7O3a.webm

 

[JohannaK]

The Han Republic denounces the treachery of the Guangxi rebels, henceforth imposes a blockade on Kwangsi-controlled coast and increases its mobilisation to 40%.

 

[Double A]

We don't necessarily have to keep fighting.

 

[Double A]

k we aren't

 

[JohannaK]

The Han Republic of China announces a ceasing of hostilities between the Republic and the Confederation of Guangxi.

 

[Double A]

The Confederation of Guangxi officially follows suit.

 

[Masada]

From United States
To Republic of Han, Confederation of Guangxi

The United States applauds the measured and balanced responses of the parties in respect of their former conflict. In light of the peace prevailing in China, the United States would like to discuss opening up trade to ensure the prosperity of the people and good will between all parties.

 

[Double A]

Treaty of Nanchang​

The Leaders of the Han Republic of China and the Confederation of Guangxi here assembled under a flag of truce, having discussed their grievances and their woes, and agreeing upon study of the situation upon the evils caused by sustained warfare, have laid down the provisions by which a State of war shall cease and a State of Peace and harmony may reign over the two countries. Let is henceforth be known:

I. That the Han Republic of China acknowledges the Confederation of Guangxi as a valid and equal partner in the World;

I.1 That the Han Republic of China acknowledges the necessity of the Hakka people to have a state that may protect them as the Han Republic protects the Han people;

I.2 That the Confederation of Guangxi acknowledges the right of the Han people to live under a state that will protect them as the Confederation vows to protect the Hakka people;​

II. That the Han Republic of China and the Confederation of Guangxi have therefore agreed that their mutual border shall lie from Pingnan in the coast of Fujian to the Miluo He and its mouth at lake Dongting. This will be leaving Nanping and the southern half of Jiangxi in the Confederation, while Chengde and northern Jiangxi will remain within the Republic;

II.1 That both the Republic and the Confederation shall abide by this border and vow to not seek further adjustment or redress to it to the East of lake Dongting;​

III. That acknowledging the dangers that the modern world poses, where imperialism runs rampant and the behemoths of this world prey upon every piece of game that crosses their path, the Han Republic of China and the Confederation of Guangxi vow to aid each other in times of distress and aggression;

III.1 That this provision may be invoked solely in the face of foreign aggression, not upon aggression of foreign states;

III.2 That this aid may be requested if the hold and encroachment of foreign ideals and treacherous elements within the state jeopardise that state’s functioning and standing in the world;​

IV. That a criminal regime has no right to displace and exterminate an ancestral people for the sake of its own race’s advancement;

IV.1 That therefore, the State of Yunnan has disavowed any notion of legitimacy that it may have ever had or that may have been granted by either signatory;

IV.2 That it is a human duty, as well as moral, to use every means available in stopping such a heinous atrocity as the ethnic cleansing in Sichuan;

IV.3 That both signatories agree and vow to put an end to the hateful regime in K’unming and its unspeakable crimes.​

ANNEX I

Signed,

President Li Zhuten of the Han Republic of China

In the day 7th of Jian-Yin in the year 4631 (2nd March 1933).​

Grand Dragon Zhao Xilang of the Confederation of Guangxi signs.

 

[JohannaK]

The Han Republic makes known that Han people fleeing from Yunnanese genocide in Szechwan are welcome, and that we will fight to expel the odious, inhuman elements that have brought it about.

On another note, the government of the Republic has decided to suspend the plans for the complete destruction of Beishi (formerly Beijing). Instead, a commission of specialists will design a plan to turn the former Imperial capital into a cutural-educational complex that will include a museum of Imperial History, with special focus on the Yuan and Qing dynasties. The centrepiece of the project will be the designation of the largest movie studio in the world, with unrestricted access to all landmarks to Han filmmakers and Han-majority crews. Foreign crews and filmmakers will be allowed with the condition that the script does not depict the Han people negatively. Other features will be residences and workshops for young artists from all over China, partially sponsored by the Republican government in its effort to promote the so-called liberal arts, as well as traditional Chinese art.

 

[tobiisagoodboy]

OCC: Well, so nobody cares about Romania or Bulgaria anymore. Yay. Let's hope the new Russian Tsar didn'T drink as much lead paint as his father did (NOT SERIOUS).

From: Romania
To : The world

For the last time, King Michael of Romania asks the world to help stop the turkish menace. To free Bulgaria and stop this madness.


OOC: Was the Romanian airforce drunk and the AA-gunner on drugs ? How can the Turks fly into the air space of a nation they are at war with, bomb the most important industrial complex in the whole country and get out, without a single Romanian gun or plane trying to stop them ?

 

[Decamper]

Fantastic update you two.

 

[christos200]

Great update.

 

[Crezth]

OOC: Was the Romanian airforce drunk and the AA-gunner on drugs ? How can the Turks fly into the air space of a nation they are at war with, bomb the most important industrial complex in the whole country and get out, without a single Romanian gun or plane trying to stop them ?

OOC: I realize you're frustrated, but this is great because I imagine it's exactly what King Michael and his staff asked the officers on duty.

IC-

To: The Confederation of Guangxi
CC: Han Republic of China
From: The State of Yunnan

Your perfidy has not gone unnoticed. For millenia Yunnan has been a victim of the Chinese aggression. We will not go quietly.

 

[christos200]

From: Russia
To: Yunnan

Russia noted the Chinese aggression against Yunnan and wishes to aid it. So we ask for a military alliance and Russia is willing to guarantee Yunnanese independence.